SAINTS have called on all RL clubs to deny any interest in joining the Zurich Premiership.

Chief executive Mal Kay has responded to the comments of Peter Wheeler, his counterpart at Leicester Tigers RU, who claims several Super League clubs are considering switching to the 15-a-side code. Kay said: "St Helens have had no approaches from the RFU with regards to a dual code league.

"Mr Wheeler's comments, I am sure, are a deliberate attempt to undermine all the excellent progress that Super League Europe has achieved in the last five years.

"The spectacle on the field has never been better".

St Helens RL club is part of Sporting Club St Helens which also incorporates Liverpool St Helens RU club which is three leagues down from the Premiership.

"Sporting Club St Helens has its own ambitious plans for Liverpool St Helens, hopefully gaining Premiership promotion. These plans are supported by St Helens RL club.

"Almost surely both codes could benefit from dialogue with regards to marketing and promotional opportunities in both codes.

"On Mr Wheeler's comments on joining a dual code league I am almost certain all our supporters would join me in saying St Helens are committed to the sport of Rugby League.

"I urge all RL chairmen to vigorously refute Wheeler's comments which deflect from the real issue within his own sport, the disappointment of the British Lions tour.

"We must take this opportunity of television and national interest to promote this great game of ours".